Winter Camping | How to Stay Warm

This post provides information about winter camping, and easy ways to stay warm at low temperatures.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links! If you choose to click on a link and purchase a product that I recommend, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

Can you camp in the winter?

It is certainly possible to camp in the winter, as long as you are educated and adequately prepared. Having the right knowledge, equipment, and clothing will keep you warm and dry, so you can enjoy nature even at low temperatures.

Winter Camping Basics

Staying dry is one of the most important aspects of winter camping. At cold temperatures, your body may be at risk of hypothermia and frostbite; especially when wet.

Hypothermia

• caused by exposure to extreme cold temperatures for long periods of time
• risk is higher when the body gets wet
• symptoms include: shivering, fatigue, confusion, and memory loss

Frostbite

• caused by low temperatures and inadequate clothing
• skin and tissues begin to freeze
• common on fingers, toes or other small exposed body parts
• symptoms include: grey or yellowing of the skin, numbness

What to do:

If you or someone you know are experiencing symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite, seek medical care as soon as possible. If your clothes are wet, remove them and get to a dry and warm location immediately.

Educate yourself on winter camping, and be prepared before heading out.

Get CPR Certified! Having your CPR certification can save lives, make sure you know how to perform CPR in survival situations.

Always have a plan. Leave your itinerary with a family member or friend before you head out.

How To Stay Warm

The following list provides easy ways to stay warm while camping in the winter.

1. Food and Hydration

Your body uses calories to stay warm, so make sure to pack plenty of food to eat while winter camping. Staying hydrated will allow your body to function at its best to keep you warm.

2. Heat Sources

Packing multiple heat sources will give you plenty of options at low temperatures.

1. Chemical Hand and Toe Warmers: hand and foot warmers can be inserted into your gloves and boots to provide extra heat for up to 24 hours.
2. Electric Hand Warmers: battery powered hand warmers are rechargeable and last up to 16 hours on a single charge.
3. Heated Clothing: battery powered clothing provides warmth that you can wear.
4. Fire: Build a fire or use a propane powered camp stove to heat up food and liquids to warm you from the inside out.

3. Insulation

Insulating your body heat from the cold ground temperatures keeps you warm for longer. Use a sleeping pad to create a barrier between the ground and your body heat.

How to Choose a Sleeping Bag: A good guideline for choosing your sleeping bag is by assessing the season and region you’ll be hiking in. Add 10 degrees to the temperature rating the packaging claims. This is the average temperature the sleeping bag will keep you warm at.

4. Hot Water

A camp stove is your best friend on any camping trip. Before bed, heat up water and put it in a sealable Nalgene bottle. (Do not use a metal bottle for this!) Check for leaks and when secure, place in the mid-region of your sleeping bag. This will heat your body evenly while you sleep.

5. Clothing

Wear loose, breathable layers to allow blood flow while insulating your body heat. Heat escapes your body from the head first, so always wear a hat in cold temperatures, even when you’re sleeping!

Pack extra: always pack extra clothes in case yours get wet, especially socks!

Did you like this post? Comment other ways you stay warm in the winter below!